Help identifying a specialty nut (clamp on to sheet material)

[muibubbles]

I'm looking for this type of nut, Ive only seen it once on a CF Intake I use to own... its circular and it attaches like a grommet. so essentially its a sheet material, then a hole is drilled, then the ______ nut is pinched, pressed, flatten it and then the lip pinches to the sheet good and stays in place...

from google it seems like its the same type as a clinching nut, but not exactly.. the one im looking for is skinnier.. anyone know what im talking about./where i can get it?

 

[Charlie9000]

Sounds like a riv-nut to me, you can get them at aviation supply stores.

 

[Charlie9000]

Does it look like this?:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ha/rivnuts.html

 

[Provincial]

There are several designs that do this task. Goodyear developed the Riv-Nut to mount deicing boots on aircraft wings without access to the back side. It is quick and easy if you have the right tools.

You can get a similar item, along with a "pop" rivet-type tool from Harbor Freight, NAPA, serious hardware stores, or even the tool trucks. These installation tools are not as quick as the Goodyear originals, but work well unless you are installing hundreds at a time. Quality generally depends on the reputation of the seller.

There are other designs that are stronger and made for repeated reuse of the fasteners, but unless you have a demanding application, they aren't worth the extra cost.

 

[Cryptic1911]

I've always called them nutserts.. usually drill a hole, drop it in, and put a bolt in it and tighten. It then collapses on itself, and clamps the metal. Often used to install strut bars and such

if you google that, you will find a bunch

 

[broinkrist]

www.pemnet.com is also your friend.

 

[buening]

Typically a rivnut is only available in aluminum, whereas nutserts are available in other materials including steel. I'd recommend getting a keyed rivnut/nutsert and use anti-seize, if you plan on ever removing the screw/bolt from the rivnut. You'll know what I mean if you ever had a fastener stuck in a rivnut and the damn rivnut breaks free and just spins with the fastener! Nut plates are the alternative if you have access and space.

 

[jjjrmx5]

You might want to be careful with rivnuts/nutserts on CF, kevlar, fibreglass and brittle matls.

They need to pull up tight in order to grab the base/substrate but they need enough torque to fit the insert correctly and may possibly break a brittle thin matl.

I use AVK all day long, but it depends upon the application.
http://avkfasteners.com/products.RN.php
and
http://avkfasteners.com/products.select.php

We're talking pro use here BTW.

Perhaps a U-nut or some other automotive fastener may be better.

Also look at what auveco.com stocks. They do most of the OEM fasteners out there.

 

[muibubbles]

thanks for all the replies, they all look interesting but it isnt the one i saw.. i just remembered the one i saw had a rubber oring around it aswell... im going to also look into these rivet nuts, super interesting!

 

[jjjrmx5]

I'm, gonna guess that the rubber o-ring /spacer kept the CF from fracturing.

I'd call/email the mfgr and find the fastener.

My guess is a 2 piece with a lock collar as again, CF is not flexible. Gawd knows I own enough things made out of it.

LOL.

 

[jetmech09]

riv-nut, maybe hi-lok, huck-bolt? All kind of do the same thing.

 

[pop pop]

Look for "Well Nut". GM used to use them to install luggage racks on station wagons. They were basically rubber with a metallic threaded insert. When tightened, the rubber collapsed and swelled on the back side while the rubber "flange" on top sealed from weather.

 

[1stackmack]

Sounds like a Huck Bolt to me. They're used in truck manufacturing like Mack, Pete, and KW... Its also used in real heavy duty apps like Railroad locomotives. When used in truck apps, its usually used to clamp (2) "C" channels together like the frame rails, one inside the other. Go to www.afshuck.net. State of the art, excellent product.

 

[Deskmechanic]

Look for "Well Nut". GM used to use them to install luggage racks on station wagons. They were basically rubber with a metallic threaded insert. When tightened, the rubber collapsed and swelled on the back side while the rubber "flange" on top sealed from weather.

Yes, well nut. Also used on motorcycle fairings.

 

[Bigplum]

Rubber nuts !
http://www.memfast.co.uk/shop/Vprod2.asp?cat=2256003409

That's a UK supplier but its a starting point